Full time, fixed term for 4 years, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Geosciences
Work on the AuScope EarthBank Project
Base Salary $109,263 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate – EarthBank. As part of the establishment of a new AuScope EarthBank Project node at the University of Sydney, under the guidance of Node Leader Dr Samuel C Boone, AuScope and the School of Geosciences is jointly funding a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position to spearhead the new node’s activities. The Sydney EarthBank node will join the national AuScope Geochemistry Network , an Australian consortium of Earth Science institutes cooperating to develop national geochemistry research infrastructure, with their flagship project being the development of the EarthBank platform.
The EarthBank platform (previously AusGeochem) is an open access geospatial data platform for archiving, disseminating and analysing geochemistry data on regional- to global-scales. The platform enables users to interrogate geochemistry, geochronology and thermochronology data in 4D (3D through time), making EarthBank the first of its kind. EarthBank functionalities are continuing to expand beyond its current range of data types, which includes relational data models for major, minor and trace element geochemistry, U-Th-Pb and Ar-Ar geochronology, fission-track and (U-Th-Sm)/He thermochronology, vitrinite reflectance, and thermal history models. New relational data models data for incorporating methods such as include beta-decay geochronometers (e.g., Rb-Sr and Lu-Hf), stable isotopes, and isotopic geochemical ratios are currently under development.
To compliment the development of the EarthBank platform and its ever-growing range of relational geochemistry data models, the University of Sydney EarthBank Project node will focus on the creation of innovative platform functionalities and numerical workflows to facilitate the use of regional- to global-scale EarthBank datasets in numerical geoscience modelling via the platform Application Programming Interface (API) and command line scripting. The new node will build on the University of Sydney School of Geoscience’s globally recognised expertise in the development and application of open-access numerical plate tectonic, thermomechanical, landscape evolution, paleoclimate and AI-powered mineral prospectivity modelling codes.
As Postdoctoral Research Associate – EarthBank you will;
Your key responsibilities will be to:
Spearhead research into the development and utilisation of open-access numerical workflows that integrate geochemistry, geochronology and/or thermochronology data to calibrate and evaluate numerical geological analyses and simulations.
Dedicate 2 days/week to EarthBank platform development, data utilisation, and capability expansion, with a particular focus on platform interoperability and data utilisation.
Liaise with Sydney’s Australian Museum to ensure data compliance.
Coordinate the upload of a minimum of 250 samples and associated geochemistry data into EarthBank per year.
Liaise with industry and government end-users, particularly at Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of New South Wales.
Attend the annual TANG3O meeting (EarthBank-funded travel).
Promote EarthBank through presentations, networking, and outreach efforts.
Co-author at least one research paper annually that utilises or pertains to EarthBank.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate – EarthBank who has:
a PhD or have submitted a PhD thesis in a relevant geoscience field
an established geological research portfolio and demonstrated ability to spearhead innovative science
a track record in scientific communication and publication in Q1 international scientific journals
confidence and a proven track record using common coding languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, Fortran)
expertise and a publication track record in numerical geoscience modelling, such as, but not limited to plate tectonic, thermomechanical, landscape evolution, and paleoclimate simulations, and applied AI.
expertise and a publication track record in at least one of the following: geochemistry, geochronology, thermochronology, tectonics, geodynamics, surface processes, relational database design, and geological data science.
experience using GPlates, Underworld, Badlands, goSPL, Pecube, GLIDE, Age2Exhumation, and/or similar codes is highly favourable.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. The cover letter should succinctly summarise your motivation for applying for the position, how your track record and expertise make you an excellent fit for the role, and your own research ideas for integrating regional- to global-scale geochemistry, geochronology and/or thermochronology datasets with numerical geoscience modelling techniques (e.g., plate tectonic, thermomechanical, landscape evolution, paleoclimate models).
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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au
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Applications Close
Tuesday 12 August 2025 11:59 PM